Promised Land
Promised Land

The Band - Promised Land Lyrics

Rock
Dec 17, 2014
196
Promised Land Music Video

Promised Land Lyrics

I left my home in Norfolk, Virginia
California on my mind
I straddled that Greyhound
And rode him into Raleigh
And on across Caroline

We stopped in Charlotte to bypass Rockhill
We never was a minute late
We was ninety miles out of Atlanta by sundown
Rollin' out of Georgia state

We had motor trouble that turned into a struggle
Halfway across Alabam'
And that bow broke down
And left us all stranded in downtown Birmingham

Right away I bought me a through train ticket
Got across Mississippi clean
And I was on that Midnight Flyer out of Birmingham
Smokin' into New Orleans

Somebody help me get out of Louisiana
Help me get to Houston Town

There are people there who care a bit about me
And they won't let the poor boy down
Georgia born, they bought me a silk suit
And put luggage in my hand

And I woke up high over Albuquerque
On a jet to the promised land

Workin' on a T-bone steak a la carte
Flyin' over to the Golden State

When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gate
Swing low chariot, come down easy
Taxi to the terminal door

Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephone
And Los Angeles, give me Norfolk Virginia
Tidewater for ten o-nine

Tell all the folks back home
It's the promised land callin'
And the poor boy is on the line

Writer(s): Chuck Berry
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who originally wrote the song 'Promised Land'?

    'Promised Land' was originally written by Chuck Berry while he was in prison.

  2. What journey does the protagonist describe in 'Promised Land'?

    The protagonist describes a journey from Norfolk, Virginia to Los Angeles, California, traveling by Greyhound bus, train, and eventually airplane.

  3. How did Chuck Berry come up with the route described in 'Promised Land'?

    Chuck Berry borrowed an atlas from the prison library to plot the itinerary for his hero's journey from Virginia to California.

  4. Which cities are mentioned in the lyrics of 'Promised Land'?

    'Promised Land' mentions several cities including Norfolk (Virginia), Raleigh (North Carolina), Charlotte (North Carolina), Rock Hill (South Carolina), Atlanta (Georgia), Birmingham (Alabama), New Orleans (Louisiana), Houston (Texas), and Albuquerque (New Mexico).

  5. What challenges does the protagonist face during his journey in 'Promised Land'?

    The protagonist faces motor trouble that leaves him stranded in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. He then buys a train ticket to New Orleans and continues his journey.

  6. Which famous artist covered Chuck Berry's 'Promised Land', making it popular again?

    'Promised Land' was famously covered by Elvis Presley in 1974. His version reached #9 in the UK and #14 in the US charts.

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